Been A While

It has been a while since I posted. I have been really busy here at home. Hubby has made some free time off from work to spend with me here and there and we have been enjoying it. We went to see the new movie Fireproof. It was FANTASTIC! We both enjoyed watching it. If you have the chance, I urge you to see it.

We also went to the bookstore and purchased a book to read together. We both really enjoy reading and read every night before bed (and any other chance we get). We decided to make our reading time more special by reading a book together out loud. We have a dream of selling the business some day and buying a sail boat and traveling around the world. So naturally we chose a sailing book. I have really enjoyed doing this with my husband :)

Last night we took all the kids to the Amazing Fun Farm right outside of town. We went through the corn maze. We had a really good time. It was too dark to pick pumpkins from the pumpkin patch so we are saving that for another day :) That is my favorite thing to do in the fall. Picking pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.

Faith and Purpose Statement

I beleive that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and his spirit is in me, helping me live according to God's will each day. It is my ulumate goal in life to honor him in all I do. I was created by God with unique gifts, talents, and strengths. I am caring, flexible, sensitive, intelligent, accepting, easy going, and willing to compromise. I will look to God to help me use these qualities to bless my family and the people around me. I also realize that I have weaknesses and I will try to minimize or overcome them with God's help.

I believe that the Bible is the living word of God. I believe that everything in the Bible is true and relevent. I will base my life on the Bible, because I know it works. I will read the Bible, because in doing so God shows me how to apply it to my own life.

I hope to create a home for my family where everyone feels loved, accepted, and needed. I want all my family to be happy and to be emotionally healthy and centered in Christ. I want to create a bond that holds us together even when the kids have grown and started families of their own. I want our home to glorify the Lord. I know that all this is possible if I believe, work hard, and put my faith in God.

I will remember that...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me--Philippians 4:13

We walk by faith, not by sight--2 Corinthians 5:7

And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.--Romans 8:28

God is faithful; He will never give you more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.--1 Corinthians 10:13

The Wife and The Rib--Modern Day Rib in Action

I have to say that I never really gave much thought as to why woman was created out of mans rib. Sunny did a fantastic job of explaining how it is a symbol of being created to walk beside a man and how we were created to protect him. A husband needs his wife's love and admiration and appreciation. He needs her support. He needs to know that no matter what she is on his side.

A thought to ponder:

There is no one or no thing in all the earth God has created that God gave the ability to either be the most injurious or that provides the greatest blessing and strength to a husband than his wife. How will you use the "power" God gave you today? (From A Wife's Biblical Submission)

What a responsibility we have as wives! We can destroy our husbands or we can build them up. I know that none of us want to destroy our husbands (at least I hope not!) but sometimes we do little things that we don't realize are harmful! I used to have a very selfish and negative attitude. I used to talk about my DH to my BFF. We would talk for hours on the phone justifying each others gripes. As some of you may have read in a previous post, my husband and I separated for a year and a half. During that time God really took hold of me! He showed me how I had single handedly destroyed one of the most precious gifts He had ever given me, my marriage. During this time I read many, many books, and looked up every scripture I could find about being a wife and about marriage. I started writing myself motivational notes and reminders, and I learned to pray scripture. This weeks study & thought to ponder reminded me of some of those notes and I wanted to share a few of them.

First off, I ask these questions EVERYDAY:

Lord, what can I do to bless my husband today?

What can I do to help him?

What can I do to show my love for him (actions speak louder that words. I was always telling him that I loved him, but my actions and attitude were SCREAMING something else!)

What is it like being married to me?

What is it like hearing the words that I say?

What is it like living with my attitude?

What can I do to make things better?

How can I change?

No one is perfect. We are all the same. We have strengths and weaknesses. If we are to have good relationships with each other, we must think on the positive and forget the negative.

My husband has deep needs even if they are hidden. It is up to me as his wife to pray for wisdom to know what to do to touch those needs.

If we don't take care of what God has given us, we lose it!

I will use the power that God gave me by remembering to keep a good attitude and ask God to watch over my words and actions. I will use my words and actions to build my husband up, to affirm him, to respect him, and to show him that I am his biggest fan!

Heavenly Father, I pray that the women in this bible study will hear your words, and those words will take root in our hearts. May our actions and words towards our husbands be like apples of gold in settings of silver. We want to be the kind of wives you created us to be. I pray that we will all be blessings to our husbands. I pray that we will all have marriages that Glorify you . In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN

(note: The questions that I ask myself were questions from books that I have read...I believe some were from Elizabeth George -After God's Own Heart Series. A lot of the books that I have read have had the same principle, so I am not 100% sure.)

Marriage Notes

Give him PRAISES

P--Pray for him
R--Respect him
A--Adore him
I--Initiate untamate friendship with him
S--Safe guard your marriage
E--Encourage him
S--Sexually fulfill him

Give him your BEST

B--Bless him
E--Edify him
S--Share with him
T--Touch him

Be a great WIFE

W--Warm up his life with your love
I--Improve his life as a helper
F--Follow his leadership with a willing heart
E--Esteem him highly with utmost respect.

(Note: These are notes from books I have read.)

Friday Question

http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/category/friday-questions/

Do you take any vitamins or supplements? Which do you take? Do you notice any difference in your overall health from taking them?
I take Vitamin C, L-Lysene, Zinc, and sublingual B-12 during the fall and winter months. Yes I can tell if I stop taking them, I will catch everyone's colds and sore throats. I have 3 school age kids...need I say more?

New Blog Design

I created a new blog header and background last night, couldn't sleep since my hubby is out of town. I bought a new scrapbooking kit from Kay Miller Designs. I thought it was really cute. I wanted something with different colors, but I liked the house and tree...too precious! I just started digital scrapbooking and I am trying to learn PS CS3. There are so many things I would like to be able to do, but I just haven't figured out how to do them in Photo Shop yet, sigh. Oh well, someday after lots of good practice I am sure I will figure it out.

All Alone

My DH went out of town for the weekend. He left yesterday at noon. I was suppose to go with him, but our sitter fell through. I sure miss him when he is gone :( I also worry about him. He drag races, and this weekend is the bracket finals. I hope he wins big, but at the same time, the sooner he is out, the sooner he gets to come home. Isn't that awful of me to think? Either way I wish I were there and I can't wait till he gets home!

As if it isn't unsettling enough when my husband is out of town, my dog layed at my feet and growled until 3 am! I know the pup was missing him too, so I tired not to get scared, but when your dog is growling and your alone it is pretty nerve racking and makes it hard to sleep. I feel like a zombie this morning. I this is going to be one of those days that Mom gets a nap. Maybe I can convince the kids to help me out around the house when they get home. It is an early release day for them.

How Many of Me?

http://howmanyofme.com/

HowManyOfMe.com How many have your name?

There are 66 people with my name in the U.S.A.

Bookin Through Thursday

http://btt2.wordpress.com/

What was the last book you bought?
The Love Dare
Name a book you have read MORE than once
Power of a Praying Wife
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
I search a topic on Amazon and go from there.
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Non-Fiction
What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Gripping Plot
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
The Velveteen Rabbit. I loved that little guy.
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
The Power of a Positive Mom & The Power of a Positive Wife & my Bilbes
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
Loving God With All Your Mind--Last week.
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes but only a very few times. If that happens I usually try again at a later time.

Psalm 1:1-3

The following format is a Bible Study Worksheet from the book "Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90 Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life. http://www.donnapartow.com/ I decided to use this while I learn to study scripture.

Bible Study Worksheet

All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
--2 Timothy 3:16-17



Passage: Psalm 1:1-3

Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
--Psalm 1:1-3

1. Summarize in a few sentences what the passage is about:Meditate on God's word and as you learn his laws and start living them your life will reap the benifits at just the right time.
2. Is there an example for me to follow? Read and study God's word day and night. Live by God's laws
3. Is there an error I need to avoid? Stay away from wicked counsel, ways of sinners, & mockers. Don't stop reading and studying God's word.
4. Is there a command for me to obey? Delight in the law of the Lord.
5. Is there a sin I need to forsake? Forsake God and his laws.
6. What application of this passage can I make today? Read and study my bible. Read Christian based books.

A Wife's Biblical Submission

I just signed up for an online bible study I found. It is called A Wife's Biblical Submission. I am excited about this study. Not only am I going to learn more about being the best wife I can be, I am also going to meet other women that hold their positions as wives important. I am a SAHM and Wife. I am on my second marriage. I have 3 boys ages 11-16 and my husband has 1 boy-20 and 1 girl-19. I was raised in a home where my Dad was married several time and non of his wives were submissive. (My mother passed away when I was 2) All my Dad's wives were disrespectful and rude. They had smart mouths and they were manipulative. I grew up this way and learned this behavior. I have been married twice. I know that I acted in ways that I am not proud of. Those are not the reasons the 1st marriage didn't work, but i know that they didn't help the situation. Although I grew up in a home that wasn't the greatest example, I always new in my heart that my attitude and behavior was wrong. I always wanted more out of my family life than what it was; I just didn't know how to get it. I always wanted to be a mother and a wife from the time I was a very little girl. I never wanted anything more. So when I married the second time to a completely different kind of man I just knew that my dreams were going to come true. I was going make a wonderful, happy, loving home where everyone felt secure and safe. Everyone would love being there and my children and husband would rise up and call me blessed. WRONG! Although I married a wonderful man, we had problems. Of course, I started feeling as if I had made yet another mistake when choosing a husband and stepfather for my 3 children. After a couple of years, we separated and life was unbearable. I had failed again! It was then that I picked up my bible and started reading it. I mean REALLY reading it and praying to God to show me what went wrong. Well, what he showed me was not what I expected, and I didn't like it one bit! I was a bitter, disrespectful, manipulative, ungrateful nag who did whatever she wanted! OUCH! To make a long story short, I spent the next year reading and praying that God would change me. I stopped asking him to change my husband. I learned how to put things in God's hands and stopped trying to do everything myself. It took a year and 3 months, but my husband and I are no longer separated and I have committed myself to learn everything I can about being a Godly wife, mother, and woman. I was thrilled when I was searching the CWO Blogroll and found a link to this study.

Scarred for Life??

Ok, I am not a perfect person. I have many faults, but one fault in particular is my inability to remember where I park. I NEVER can remember EVER! This is so frustrating. I can go into a store for literally 2 minutes, come out, and wonder where in the world my car is? It has always been a source of entertainment for my family, and after I find the car I have to admit that I can laugh about it too. But one day that all changed. It was actually very traumatic. I do have to start by saying this was a particular rough period in my life about a year and a half ago. My husband and I were not getting along; my oldest son had all but quit caring about anything. He was failing EVERY single class he was taking and I was afraid that he was going to have to repeat the 7th grade (he didn't by the way, but he did have to take a class during summer school). Anyway, life was hitting me from every direction. On this particular May day, I made my way to Wally World to get a few things for dinner and to take a much needed break from home. I parked my car and knowing that I can't remember where I park, made note of where I was and the cars that were around me (hoping this would help when I came out of the store). So I go in and do my shopping, taking my sweet time, trying to relax (are you allowed to say relax and Wal-Mart in the same sentence?) I finished my shopping, bagged, and paid for my purchases. I didn't have too many things so instead of worrying about trying to put a cart away, I decided to just carry my few bags and case of DP. I walk out of the store and head to my car. When I got to my car, guess what...that's right, IT WAS GONE! I thought well maybe I am mistaken and I parked on the other row. I walked down the next row...and the next, and the next, and the next. I started panicking and the groceries were starting to get heavy. I dug out my keys and started pushing the panic button hoping to sound the alarm so I would know where the car was...NOTHING. So once again, I start down each row, one by one, pushing the panic button. My car was nowhere to be found. Now I am really starting to panic and the tears start to flow (I have been looking for the car for about 30 minutes or more now). I am not sure if the car has been stollen or if I have lost my mind! I knew right where the car should have been, after all I made sure to look and take note of where I parked! About this time (still walking and pushing that panic button & tears still flowing), The case of DP breaks and DP start rolling down the parking lot rows! People are starting to look at me really weird and I am embarrassed and thinking that I am on my way to the loony bin. I tried my best to pick up all the runaway cans of DP (Heaven knows I am going to need them now!) and decide to swallow my pride and call my husband to rescue me. I get him on the phone and tell him I can't find my car. He asks what do you mean? Do you think it was stolen? Between sobs, I was able to explain that I just didn't know. He told me to stay put and he would be there in a minute. My husband arrived and I got into the suburban and he asked me where I thought I had parked. I showed him and we drove up and down the rows...no car. Ok I am starting to gain my composure now. My husband asks me if I am sure I parked on this side of Wal-Mart. I told him YES, I NEVER park on the other side, EVER! Well after driving up and down the rows on the side I thought I parked on and before reporting the car stolen (which now I am secretly hoping that is what happened to save face) he decided to go to the other side. I almost died...At the completely opposite end of where I "thought" I had parked was my car, safe and sound, waiting for me to come out of the store and drive it home. I turned red, he laughed, and I jumped out of the suburban and drove home. All the while wondering how on earth my car got there because I KNOW I DID NOT PARK THERE! I just couldn't wrap my brain around it. I remembered parking the car on the other side of the parking lot. I truly thought I was going crazy. Every since that day I have a predestined row for every store that I go to. I will not vary it no matter what. I would walk a mile in a hailstorm if I had to, LOL. And I still think about that day every time I go to Wal-Mart!

Proverbs 31:10-11

Every week I am going to work on memorizing a new verse of the Bilbe. I will post the new verse on Mondays. I am starting with Proverbs 31 because I believe it is a very important scripture for woman.

A wife of Noble Character who can find?
Her worth is far above rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and he lacks nothing of value.
--Proverbs 31:10-11

A Cute Conversation

This weekend I was in the car with my 3 sons. We drove by a house that their grandmother used to live in when they were very little. One of the kids noticed the house and asked if that was where Grandmother used to live. I said yes. My ds3 said I never knew we were in this town before you married dh. I said well of course we have, many, many times. (We used to live in another town before I remarried) Then the boys got on the conversation of how did you guys meet? My adorable sweet youngest son look at his brothers and said "don't you remember? They met in that restaurant and dh saw mom and said hey sweet thing, you are way to pretty not to know me...wanna get married???" LOL I laughed so hard. It was so cute the way he said it too. By the way, that is NOT how we met, but that is the first time my sons ever met him. We met dh and his family for lunch at a Mexican food restaurant in the town his family and I lived in.

My Home Maintenance Control Journal

I love to be organized. I love the way it looks. I love the way it feels. Our home runs so much better with some organization. I use a Home Management Binder to keep our house running. I have a friend that is naturally organized and she thinks I am being to legalistic having a binder with all these lists. I for one am not naturally organized. I have to write everything to down if I am going to remember, and I have to have it all together or I will lose it and then what is the point? Anyway I Love my binder!

I have a spot in my kitchen that I call Command Central. This is where I keep my binder and all the things I need to stay organized.

The first section of my Binder is the Calendar Section. Here I have my Master Birthday Calendar, the kids School Calendar, the kids Sports Calendar, and the Monthly Calendars. The Monthly Calendars are divided by Jan-Dec tabs. Behind each monthly calendar I have a checklist of things to do for that month. I have a printout from HomemakingOrganized.com I also have list with the birthdays for that particular month.

The next section tab is for my Routines. I have a print out of Proverbs 31 in the front of that section to remind me to be the best wife and mother I can be. I also have a printout of my block schedule.

After the block schedule I have 5 different styled tabs for my weekly routines. I have one for Mon-Fri. On each days schedule I have my daily routine in the left hand column. Then at the top of the page I have my Daily Routine. Under that I have a section for appointments. Under appointments I have a section for notes.

MY WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Monday
Laundry--Towels
Daily Zone Chore http://www.flylady.net/
Water & Prune Plants
Spend 15 Minutes in the Current Zone.
Start Weekly Home Blessing

Tuesday
Laundry--Sheets
Daily Zone Chores http://ww.flylady.com/
Weekly Home Blessing

1. Dust
2. Sweep/Mop/Vacuum
3. Clean Bathrooms--All Surfaces
4. Clean Windows & Mirrors
5. Clean Door Knobs
6. Purge Magazines/Junk Mail
7. Empty ALL trashes
8. Flip & Rotate Cushions

Wednesday
Laundry--Kids Whites
Daily Zone Chores http://www.flylady.com/
Weekly Zone Cleaning
Clean Fridge
Start Menus & Shopping List

Thursday
Laundry--Kids Darks
Daily Zone Chores http://www.flylady.com/
Finish up Weekly Zone Cleaning
Run Errands

Friday
Laundry--Adult
Daily Zone Chores http://www.flylady.com/
File Papers
Clean Purse
Clean Car
Computer Maintenance
Clean Laundry Room

MY DAILY SCHEDULE

Morning
Make Beds
Shower & Get Ready for the Day
Swish Toilets/Clean Bathroom
Breakfast
Feed Dog
Empty Dishwasher
Take Kids to School
Start Laundry
Check Calendar
Make ToDo List
Thaw Dinner
Balance Checkbook
Hit the Hot Spots
Prayer Time
Computer Time
Afternoon
Check Daily Chore List
Reboot Laundry
Computer/Free Time
After School
Homework
Sign Folders/Read notes
Reboot Laundry
Late Afternoon
Reboot Laundry
Dinner
Clean Kitchen
Early Evening
Get Kids Ready for bed
Brush Teeth
Lay Out Clothes
Book bags
TV/Read
Quiet Time with hubby
Before Bed
Straighten Up the House
Start Dishwasher
Check Calendar & ToDo List
Lay Out Clothes
Get Ready For Bed
Hot Bath
Take Vitamins
Read/Pray
Snuggle in for the night by 10:30

After my Routines, comes the Menu Section tab. I have a Weekly Menu, family chosen recipes for the week that I created my menu from, recipes, shopping list, pantry inventory, and freezer inventory.

The next session tab is for my Zones. I have my house split up into to 5 zones. I have mine set up like FlyLady that way I can follow her cleaning schedule. She send out daily chores. I have a page for each zone with the list of chores that need to be done in that zone.

The next session tab is the Emergency section.In this section I have a page that lists our phone number, address, location, house description, and emergency meeting place. I have a page for emergency numbers, and also safety clippings I have come across.

After that I have a Faith section. Here I keep notes, prayers, scriptures, and Christian clippings i want to have handy.

Next I have a Health section. I have a food journal, strength training log, and health related clippings.

After that I have a Kids section. In this section I keep everything relating to the kids. School notes, teachers names and email addresses, handy charts, ideas, etc.

Following the kids tab I have a wish list. Here I list anything I would like to have. You name it...it is there.

Following this is a Notes section. I have different house cleaning notes and tips, or anything that I need to remember.

Last I have a Address book section.

My binder has pockets in the front and back. In these pockets I keep coupons and takeout menus I want to keep and use.

I have most of my pages in page protectors that way I can write on them with a dry erase marker. This saves on printer paper and ink :)
I create my pages in MS Word. If anyone would like my printouts feel free to ask I would be happy to share. i know there are a lot of places that have free printouts, but i am picky and none of them ever suited me. It took me lots of doing and redoing to get it just the way I wanted.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring my Household Binder.

Menu Plan Monday

Here is my menu for the week....

Monday
Steak
shrimp cocktail
salad
baked potatoes

Tuesday
Tilapia
salad
tomatoes
mashed potatoes

Wednesday
Stuffed bell peppers
salad

Thursday
Pork chops
brocoli
salad

Friday
Create your own menu
(breakfast for dinner)

Saturday
Tacos/all the fixins

Sunday
Easy Chicken Bake
Salad

It's a Monday!

It is definitely a Monday! No one wanted to get up and go to school this morning, and I have to admit that I didn't want to get up either. I didn't sleep well last night, it was one of those nights that I had crazy dreams all night long...you know the ones that when you wake up you are so weirded out that you can't go back to sleep because you are lying there trying to figure out why you would dream such a thing! Usually when that happens I might have one or two of them, but last night they lasted ALL NIGHT! I would fall back to sleep and it would pick up where it left off. Good thing that those kind of night are few and far between.

The kids had sleep overs this weekend. This particular friend has a mother who lets them stay up ALL night if they want too, and they drink and eat TONS of sugar while they are there. So we are paying the price this morning for that.

New Blog

I am new to this blogging thing, but I thought why not give it a try!
Here is a little about myself. I am a SAHM and Wife. I have the best job in the world! I love to organize and keep my home. I am married to a wonderful man. We have 5 kids between us. His kids are all in college, and mine range from 11-16. He has a boy and a girl. I have all boys. We work hard everyday to create a loving blended family. A home where everyone feels like they belong. Sometimes it is harder than others :) I am sure that anyone who has a blended family will understand that!

We have been through some rough times in the past, but have worked very hard to figure out what works for us. I am so blessed that my husband works hard so that I can stay at home and create a home. I love the fact that I am at home when my children get home off the bus. I know that my situation could easily be different than it is right now and I thank God everyday for my kind and generous husband.

With this blog, I would like to document my journey as a SAHM & Wife. I will post recipes, household tips, ways I organize, and other things that have to do with my home life. For safety reasons I will refrain from using our names. I will use code when discussing me and my family.